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Coggans' Bar

Burrell Collection Photo Library

Coggans' Bar in the Saltmarket, during the First World War. There are advertisements for Munitions Ale in the windows.

The Saltmarket area had been notorious in Victorian times for the many shebeens and saloons located in its run-down tenements. The City Improvement Trust changed all that when it cleared slum properties in the area and new tenements were erected along with more salubrious drinking establishments. James Coggans' Coat of Arms Bar at 11 Saltmarket opened in 1909. It was one of the most up-to-date pubs in Glasgow and even had hot running water on tap in the lavatory!

James Coggans emigrated to Australia in 1927, leaving the bar to be run by family members. At the beginning of the 21st century the pub remains in business as the Tolbooth.p>

Reference: 140.78.281

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums